Communities In Schools of Miami to celebrate annual gala, Apr. 16

By Mischella Reed….Communities In Schools of Miami (CIS) will be celebrating its annual Gala on Saturday, Apr. 16, at Downtown Miami’s InterContinental Hotel.

The theme for this year’s gala, “It Takes Two, An Evening of Duets,” will feature exquisite food and wine pairings, as well as mentor and student paired musical and entertainment performances. All funds raised will help provide educational and emotional support to more than 5,000 students in 21 schools and community-based sites.

Joining this year’s gala is the leader of one of Miami’s premiere local and nationally acclaimed bands, ¡Suénalo!, whose members will be performing side-by-side musical pieces with their CIS of Miami mentees.

Chad Bernstein, a member of ¡Suénalo!, and founder of Guns Over Guitar Operation, has partnered with CIS of Miami to provide a mentor program for middle school students that uses music instruction as an avenue for connection. Since inception, the band’s hands-on participation with CIS of Miami has helped improve the lives of youngsters in Miami-Dade County.

“We are incredibly excited about the work we’ve been doing with CIS of Miami and are very fortunate to partner with an organization that provides our youth with a pathway to success,” said band member Chad Bernstein.

“The side-by-side performances at this year’s gala is a direct reflection of what our student mentorship program strives to accomplish every day at CIS — self confidence and passion for personal growth,” said executive director Elizabeth Mejia.

“I’m honored to be a part of an organization that has such a positive influence and impact on the lives of the children in our community.”

The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The one-on-one mentorship program focuses on the organization’s five basic building blocks:

• A personal, one-on-one relationship with a caring adult;
• A safe place to learn and grow;
• A healthy start for a healthy future;
• A marketable skill to use upon graduation, and
• A chance to give back to peers and community.

It is these fundamental tools that have made CIS the most effective dropout prevention organization in America.

The event also will feature a silent auction, live entertainment and food and wine pairings with white glove service throughout the evening. Gala sponsors include Gibraltar Private and Carlton Fields.

Event donations, individual tickets and table sponsorship can be purchased online at www.cismiami.org.